What do you think?
Rate this book
Devious Obsession
I was her shadow long before I was her cage.
Bound by loyalty to her family, I told myself I could keep my distance. That protecting her from the monsters in the world would be enough to satisfy my hunger for her.
I was wrong.
Elana Volkov thinks she's disappeared. New city. New job. New name. But I know exactly where she is. I always have. I've spent years in the shadows watching her make one reckless decision after another. And now, she hides away in a city chasing danger as though it can bring her redemption?
It ends now. I don't care what lines I have to cross.
She can pretend she's just another girl in a city that doesn't know her name. But she's mine to protect, even if she hates me for it.
Bound by loyalty to her family, I told myself I could keep my distance. That protecting her from the monsters in the world would be enough to satisfy my hunger for her.
I was wrong.
Elana Volkov thinks she's disappeared. New city. New job. New name. But I know exactly where she is. I always have. I've spent years in the shadows watching her make one reckless decision after another. And now, she hides away in a city chasing danger as though it can bring her redemption?
It ends now. I don't care what lines I have to cross.
She can pretend she's just another girl in a city that doesn't know her name. But she's mine to protect, even if she hates me for it.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 27, 2026
I have read a lot of Measha Stone's books and some of her series are contained in my "favorite" books to reread list. This series has been a hit or miss for me. I liked book 1 and have reread it a couple of times, the same with books 3 and 4. These are the "hits" books in this series. However, book 2 was a big nope. The male MC just seemed to psychotic for me. I really expected to love book 5, Kaz's book, but it also left me cold. It could have been an excellent book if Ms. Stone had not had Kaz ignore his wife for a majority of the book, except for sex of course. I could not see how they could possibly fall in love when the only time they spent together for most of the book was having sex.
So that brings us to this book and despite being so disappointed in book 5, I expected to like this book. I wanted to like this book. I didn't like this book at all. I liked Elena in the previous books and felt so bad for her when Tony's deception was finally revealed in book 4. I could understand her taking off at the end of that book, needing time to recover mentally and forgive herself for the damage caused by her naivety in trusting a man from an enemy family. In this book, I lost all sympathy for Elena and started to actually dislike her.
But despite feeling bad she left her brothers to worry about her and refused to speak to any brother except Kaz because she thought she would get a lecture for what she did. That just sounds like she really didn't want to face any accountability. When she heard Kaz had to marry to fix the problem between the families she still didn't go back, not even to support him for having to marry a member of an enemy family. But again, she mentioned how "bad" she felt about it, so I'm sure that made everything better. ***there will be spoilers****
Here is where I think she enters the TSTL category of FMC. She is trying to find a man named Janus that Tony had planned to make a deal with allowing him to do business in Chicago, who apparently is also a human trafficker.
You know who human traffickers like; young, attractive women. Now Elena, a young attractive woman, knows Janus is a human trafficker so, of course, she goes to meet with him alone. Well, she is alone; he has 5 men with him. She has weapons which are immediately taken from her, her phone identifies her as a Volkov and she offers to give him access to do business in Chicago, if he returns the women he has already taken. First problem is that she doesn't have any authority to offer to let him do business in that city, second once he finds out who she is he decides to use her for leverage or sell her and she finally realizes how ill thought out her plan is. TSTL. In fact, the only reason she survives is because Artemis followed her. Janus escapes but all his men are killed by Artemis.
After Artemis extradites her from her self-made dilemma, she starts getting mouthy and giving him grief. More problems arise due to her actions. Although Artemis keeps telling her it isn't her fault, I keep thinking, "hell, yes, it is her fault".
I couldn't understand how she grew up in a mafia family, thinks she has the ability and right to give Janus rights to operate in Chicago, but apparently was too clueless to know that going into another boss's territory and trying to make a deal with one of his men would be frowned on and could start a war. That seemed like something she should know, all she had to do was imagine how one of her brothers would react to someone trying something like that in their town.
I just didn't like this book. I thought Artemis deserved better than her bratty, self-absorbed attitude.
So that brings us to this book and despite being so disappointed in book 5, I expected to like this book. I wanted to like this book. I didn't like this book at all. I liked Elena in the previous books and felt so bad for her when Tony's deception was finally revealed in book 4. I could understand her taking off at the end of that book, needing time to recover mentally and forgive herself for the damage caused by her naivety in trusting a man from an enemy family. In this book, I lost all sympathy for Elena and started to actually dislike her.
But despite feeling bad she left her brothers to worry about her and refused to speak to any brother except Kaz because she thought she would get a lecture for what she did. That just sounds like she really didn't want to face any accountability. When she heard Kaz had to marry to fix the problem between the families she still didn't go back, not even to support him for having to marry a member of an enemy family. But again, she mentioned how "bad" she felt about it, so I'm sure that made everything better. ***there will be spoilers****
Here is where I think she enters the TSTL category of FMC. She is trying to find a man named Janus that Tony had planned to make a deal with allowing him to do business in Chicago, who apparently is also a human trafficker.
You know who human traffickers like; young, attractive women. Now Elena, a young attractive woman, knows Janus is a human trafficker so, of course, she goes to meet with him alone. Well, she is alone; he has 5 men with him. She has weapons which are immediately taken from her, her phone identifies her as a Volkov and she offers to give him access to do business in Chicago, if he returns the women he has already taken. First problem is that she doesn't have any authority to offer to let him do business in that city, second once he finds out who she is he decides to use her for leverage or sell her and she finally realizes how ill thought out her plan is. TSTL. In fact, the only reason she survives is because Artemis followed her. Janus escapes but all his men are killed by Artemis.
After Artemis extradites her from her self-made dilemma, she starts getting mouthy and giving him grief. More problems arise due to her actions. Although Artemis keeps telling her it isn't her fault, I keep thinking, "hell, yes, it is her fault".
I couldn't understand how she grew up in a mafia family, thinks she has the ability and right to give Janus rights to operate in Chicago, but apparently was too clueless to know that going into another boss's territory and trying to make a deal with one of his men would be frowned on and could start a war. That seemed like something she should know, all she had to do was imagine how one of her brothers would react to someone trying something like that in their town.
I just didn't like this book. I thought Artemis deserved better than her bratty, self-absorbed attitude.
May 15, 2026
What an epic read. Devious Obsession is another emotionally charged Mafia romance from Ms. Stone that pulled me in from the very first page. This story delivered danger, obsession, emotional turmoil, healing, and a delicious Daddy vibe that gave me shivers. The writing flowed effortlessly, the dialogue suited the characters perfectly, and the chemistry between Artem and Elena was absolutely scorching. 🔥🔥
I loved the push-and-pull and the cat-and-mouse game between Artem and Elena. Both characters carried deep emotional scars from their childhoods, which added so much depth to their relationship.
Artem was everything I love in an anti-hero: brutal, possessive, dominant, overprotective, and completely devoted to Elena. As head of security for the Volkov family, he took his role seriously, especially when Elena’s reckless decisions landed her in danger. Artem was keeping Elena safe from afar, but when she puts herself in danger, he doesn't hesitate to save her foolish backside. To say he was unhappy was an understatement. His stern Daddy side only
made him more irresistible as they made their way home to the family. The inclusion of ,Artem’s father and a raccoon were an interesting touch.
Elena was far from a spoiled Mafia princess. She was strong, emotional, and determined. However, she was also impulsive at times, putting herself in dangerous situations that led to Artem coming to her rescue, whether she wanted him to or not. Her feelings of guilt and betrayal of her family ran deep after the disastrous situation with Tony DeAngelo. Elena
never truly felt part of her family after years of her father's cruelty, but her brothers would welcome her home in a heartbeat. I loved watching Artem slowly break through her walls while still giving her enough space to breathe. Elana thrived on Artem’s dominance despite his hard hand.
The return of the Volkov family added so much chaos and entertainment to the story, and I loved every moment of it. This was a deeply emotional story about forgiveness, healing, loyalty, and love wrapped inside a steamy Mafia romance. Even though it was a shorter read, it packed an emotional punch and left me wanting so much more from these characters.
My only complaint was that the ending came far too quickly.
I loved the push-and-pull and the cat-and-mouse game between Artem and Elena. Both characters carried deep emotional scars from their childhoods, which added so much depth to their relationship.
Artem was everything I love in an anti-hero: brutal, possessive, dominant, overprotective, and completely devoted to Elena. As head of security for the Volkov family, he took his role seriously, especially when Elena’s reckless decisions landed her in danger. Artem was keeping Elena safe from afar, but when she puts herself in danger, he doesn't hesitate to save her foolish backside. To say he was unhappy was an understatement. His stern Daddy side only
made him more irresistible as they made their way home to the family. The inclusion of ,Artem’s father and a raccoon were an interesting touch.
Elena was far from a spoiled Mafia princess. She was strong, emotional, and determined. However, she was also impulsive at times, putting herself in dangerous situations that led to Artem coming to her rescue, whether she wanted him to or not. Her feelings of guilt and betrayal of her family ran deep after the disastrous situation with Tony DeAngelo. Elena
never truly felt part of her family after years of her father's cruelty, but her brothers would welcome her home in a heartbeat. I loved watching Artem slowly break through her walls while still giving her enough space to breathe. Elana thrived on Artem’s dominance despite his hard hand.
The return of the Volkov family added so much chaos and entertainment to the story, and I loved every moment of it. This was a deeply emotional story about forgiveness, healing, loyalty, and love wrapped inside a steamy Mafia romance. Even though it was a shorter read, it packed an emotional punch and left me wanting so much more from these characters.
My only complaint was that the ending came far too quickly.
May 15, 2026
An unbelievable ending to a fantastic series!
I feel for Elena in the prior books of the series as she was treated poorly by her father, and looked after by her older brothers like the princess she was. So leaving the family to prove herself to the family seemed easy enough, but Elena is not aware of how Artem protected her over the years, and nothing changes now for him. When Elena finds herself in a situation it’s Artem to the rescue and their situation just got dangerous. Artem takes Elena into hiding at his cabin in the mountains of Maine where things go from calm to steamy in the blink of an eye. When Artem is bit trying to protect Elena, Elena refuses Artem to push it aside so he heads to his father’s for care. Artem discovers the reason for his father’s leaving all those years ago while Elena gets into trouble in his father’s booby-trapped house. Thankfully, Elena agrees to return home with Artem and her brothers who don’t treat her as she expected and their wives are all welcoming. With Artem’s father’s passing, they return for his funeral and a meeting with Cole who Elena previously insulted to discuss terms. While the men are meeting, the women are secluded in a hotel room until spilling wine, so Elena heads back to her suite to change when the unthinkable happens. How will it all end? You have to read to find out and will absolutely love the ending!
I feel for Elena in the prior books of the series as she was treated poorly by her father, and looked after by her older brothers like the princess she was. So leaving the family to prove herself to the family seemed easy enough, but Elena is not aware of how Artem protected her over the years, and nothing changes now for him. When Elena finds herself in a situation it’s Artem to the rescue and their situation just got dangerous. Artem takes Elena into hiding at his cabin in the mountains of Maine where things go from calm to steamy in the blink of an eye. When Artem is bit trying to protect Elena, Elena refuses Artem to push it aside so he heads to his father’s for care. Artem discovers the reason for his father’s leaving all those years ago while Elena gets into trouble in his father’s booby-trapped house. Thankfully, Elena agrees to return home with Artem and her brothers who don’t treat her as she expected and their wives are all welcoming. With Artem’s father’s passing, they return for his funeral and a meeting with Cole who Elena previously insulted to discuss terms. While the men are meeting, the women are secluded in a hotel room until spilling wine, so Elena heads back to her suite to change when the unthinkable happens. How will it all end? You have to read to find out and will absolutely love the ending!
Review of advance copy received from Author
At the end of “Devious Revenge,” Artem went after Elena. Elena fled after her being betrayed by Tony DeAngelo. But she wants to redeem herself to her brother Alexander’s eyes. The family wants her to come home. They are not angry at her. They know she is still healing from all that. Thank goodness Artem is watching over her. But he too wants to know what she is doing. When we find out, things go from bad to worse. For one Elena is still carrying around guilt over what Tony did. She always feels like the outsider in the family. Artem has always cared for her and has so much love for her. He doesn’t push her into going home but lets her be free, in a way. When a bounty is on their heads, that’s when things unravel. I have to say, I did understand her emotion. She was so tide up in knots. Thank goodness Artem helped her clear her head and understand. I freaked out during one scene in the woods. And the boys just needed to learn to express themselves better. The woman all knew that and just had to smother Elena with love to show her. The passion with these two, WOW. Need I say more. Artem is a beast. I love it. I need to read book one, Devious Secrets. I missed that one completely.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2026
Let me first say - four stars for this author is equal to 10 stars for every other author. The reason it's a four is Elana. She never grew past the little sister whiney mode. Everything she did wrong always came back to that. She never truly stood on her own & took accountability. Artem understood that and kept excusing that. He didn't have a serious talk with her. Yes, her brothers loved and forgave her, but she needed to grow up.
That aside, Artem was an interesting character. I would have liked to see more of his ties to both worlds - Irish and Bratva. Unfortunately, his father didn't get introduced until late in this book and then he passes away. He always seemed in the background in the prior books. This one he stepped into the light. It was too short of a time to completely unravel his complex personality. The chemistry between him and Elana was off the charts. He had to have the patience of Job to deal with her. It was a bit of a confusing end were everyone ended up but they all had their perfect endings. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That aside, Artem was an interesting character. I would have liked to see more of his ties to both worlds - Irish and Bratva. Unfortunately, his father didn't get introduced until late in this book and then he passes away. He always seemed in the background in the prior books. This one he stepped into the light. It was too short of a time to completely unravel his complex personality. The chemistry between him and Elana was off the charts. He had to have the patience of Job to deal with her. It was a bit of a confusing end were everyone ended up but they all had their perfect endings. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2026
As the bastard daughter of Russian Mafia kingpin, Elena was used to being ignored or hated by the mother of her stepbrothers, Alexander, Ivan and Kaz Volkov...although the brothers never treated her badly, more like a head-strong nuisance...but there was always one man who watched over her..bodyguard Artem...who could find her and retrieve her from whatever mischief she was up to...Elena had dated Tony DiAngelo, who wanted to use her to get vengeance on the Volkov's, and after he was killed, she fled to Boston, dropping out of school and working at coffee shop...but didn't escape Artem...so when she tried to make a deal with player in the Irish Mafia, Artim stepped in to save her...making them both targets...but will Elena try to run from the man who got them out alive, but not yet safe??? You will need to read this riveting story to see what happens...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A thoroughly enjoyable read about the only girl in the Volkov clan and her obsessed bodyguard who can find her wherever she goes. Elana just wants some freedom and to stop wondering when they will cut her loose. Artem knows that her brothers love her and he persuades her to return home. His father was an interesting character and the whole raccoon incident was lighthearted but also a cautionary tale. I loved all the family together and the dialogue, to say nothing of the banter between Artem and Elana. The ending was so sweet but we will never know if Elana was serious, either way it makes for a smile to conclude the story and that is always good.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Artem is obsessed and protects Elana Volkov from afar. However, one day she meddles in something that could get her killed or worse. Aretm will come to her rescue and his obsession intensify and possessiveness comes into play. They have to cat and mouse game going that will keep you on edge wondering: What is Elana up to now? Elana has isssues of being the don’s eligitimate daughter and brings chaos to the family. Once she realizes that her brothers protection is not out of loyalty but out of love, she will start blooming under Artem’s attention and obession. This is a great finale to this nail biting, enthralling series!
May 15, 2026
This is the sixth book in the Vicious Sinners series and Elana & Artem were introduced in previous stories. I knew Artem was into Elana but not how much! Artem is the Enforcer for the Volkov Bratva, who has fought his attraction to the Volkov Princess for years. I liked Artem. He was protective yet respectful of the space she created for herself. Elana is still finding her place in the family. Feeling like an outsider, she makes bad decision after bad decision in order to atone and find acceptance. Those bad decisions lead to a lot of action in the story so no complaints here! While this is a Bratva story, there’s a strong focus on family, which I loved.
May 15, 2026
Artem, Volkov Bratva's enforcer, has been attracted to Elana, the Volkov Princess, but has considered her off-limits. Elana tries to get space, leaves the proximity of her family, and tries to resolve an issue that in her mind is hers to resolve. Artem becomes her bodyguard and watches in the shadows, ensuring that she remains safe from harm.
Unfortunately, and continually, Elana makes such dubious choices, that Artem has to finally take her in hand, extract her from these dangerous situations, and let her know that he's in charge from now on.
A fitting end to the series -- can't wait to see what the author has for us next.
Unfortunately, and continually, Elana makes such dubious choices, that Artem has to finally take her in hand, extract her from these dangerous situations, and let her know that he's in charge from now on.
A fitting end to the series -- can't wait to see what the author has for us next.
May 19, 2026
I have absolutely loved the Viscous Sinners series and I’m saddened that it has come to an end. And WOW, it finishes on a high note with the younger Volkov sister, Elena, who, after being betrayed by her boyfriend, Tony DeAngelo, tries to fix a problem by striking a deal, only to tread on the toes of a rival family in another city. The brothers send one of their own to keep an eye on Elena, so when the deal goes south, Artem steps in to keep Elena safe.
Artem has been shadowing Elena for years, but now that Elena has placed herself in danger, Artem steps in. Only this time, it’s for keeps…
With its Daddy/Little girl vibes, Artem seems to have a never ending patience that Elena seems to test on a regular basis and with a twist in the end I didn’t see coming made this a hard to put down read.
Artem has been shadowing Elena for years, but now that Elena has placed herself in danger, Artem steps in. Only this time, it’s for keeps…
With its Daddy/Little girl vibes, Artem seems to have a never ending patience that Elena seems to test on a regular basis and with a twist in the end I didn’t see coming made this a hard to put down read.
May 18, 2026
The final story in the Vicious Sinners series is about Elana, sister to the Volkov brothers. I have to admit I didn't like her very much. She bordered on a TSTL character, making some VERY poor choices. Artem works for her brothers, but has been attracted to her for years. Now he is ready to claim her, no matter what her brothers think. This was very dangerous tact to take in my opinion, but it eventually all worked out. Most of the outside conflict had to do with Elana and a lot of the mistakes she made. I loved when Artem just took over and frankly I think Elana did too. Lots of angst to finally get to their HEA. Great ending to the series.
May 20, 2026
Elana has never felt like just belonged anywhere.
She knows her brothers love her. But her childhood experiences have left a deep mark on her heart and soul.
Trying to right a wrong she tangles things up more. And everything goes sideways.
Artem is the Volkov enforcer. He’s been with the family since his early teens.
He is committed to the family. First and foremost because of a personal reason.
But when it comes to Elana she is on a whole other level of commitment and devotion from him.
I enjoyed their story. It’s fast paced, some mafia drama and a whole lotta spice.
**3.5 stars**
She knows her brothers love her. But her childhood experiences have left a deep mark on her heart and soul.
Trying to right a wrong she tangles things up more. And everything goes sideways.
Artem is the Volkov enforcer. He’s been with the family since his early teens.
He is committed to the family. First and foremost because of a personal reason.
But when it comes to Elana she is on a whole other level of commitment and devotion from him.
I enjoyed their story. It’s fast paced, some mafia drama and a whole lotta spice.
**3.5 stars**
June 15, 2026
series finale
Different ending to the series. Elena is truly a hand full.
Kaz is my all time favorite in the Series.
Elena is stubborn and insecure, and sometimes a bit childish.
she met her match with Artem.
this book took me a little longer to get through, because it seemed a bit more choppy than the other books in the series. I kept getting frustrated with Elena so couldn’t really get engrossed in the story.
the whole control and spanking dynamic just didn’t work in this book.
Different ending to the series. Elena is truly a hand full.
Kaz is my all time favorite in the Series.
Elena is stubborn and insecure, and sometimes a bit childish.
she met her match with Artem.
this book took me a little longer to get through, because it seemed a bit more choppy than the other books in the series. I kept getting frustrated with Elena so couldn’t really get engrossed in the story.
the whole control and spanking dynamic just didn’t work in this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love how the men in these stories are patient and kind while still being possessive with their women. Artem has been protecting Elana for many years, in the shadows, always watching. She has secretly been fantasizing about him too.
Now Elana needs protection from herself and of course Artem is there, silent and deadly.
This series is absolutely binge worthy ❤️
Now Elana needs protection from herself and of course Artem is there, silent and deadly.
This series is absolutely binge worthy ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
An enjoyable mafia read about Elana the only woman in the Volkov clan and her obsessed bodyguard Artem. This is the last book in the series and all can be read as a standalone. When the going got tough, Elana ran and Artem goes after her. Of course, she finds herself in trouble again which leads to an exciting, quick read which I’d highly recommend.
May 15, 2026
Absolutely could not put this down! We have been waiting patiently (or not so) for the Volkov princess to get her story! And what a story it is. This one has it all…..drama…..obsession…….semi stalker……princess who draws chaos wherever she goes…..smexy times…..and oh so much love! A fantastic addition to the series!
May 23, 2026
What an end to the series! There’s no one better for Elana than Artem. Even her brothers agree. So fierce and loyal. It’s great getting Artemis’s back story. I had no idea he was half Irish! And his father was connected to the Irish mafia. What a great twist into the storyline. And boy are they combustible together. Can’t wait to see what the next series brings……
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2026
a good series
As always Measha includes slivers of light and humor in her dark tales. A good series . I enjoyed them all . Darkness, lightness laughter and love with a spicy sprinkle of kink .
As always Measha includes slivers of light and humor in her dark tales. A good series . I enjoyed them all . Darkness, lightness laughter and love with a spicy sprinkle of kink .
Review of advance copy received from Author
Outstanding book! Artem and Elana drew me into their world of danger, drama, excitement, intrigue and betrayal. I read this book so fast. Every page was better than the last.
May 16, 2026
These two finally collided in an epic conclusion to this series. Two very strong minded people with one of them not able to let go of what she has done. A steamy fun read. Happy reading!
May 17, 2026
Maybe I’m a liiiittle disappointed 🤣 but it’s fine, I still loved Elana 💋💋
What I really didn’t expect was Artem being cringe 🤣❣️
I’d say the book was kinda fifty-fifty .
What I really didn’t expect was Artem being cringe 🤣❣️
I’d say the book was kinda fifty-fifty .
May 30, 2026
Excellent writing, stories and plot development for the characters. Read the entire series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this story!! Plus I love Russian mafia and this series ticks all my boxes. I’ve been waiting for Elana’s story, and it is so well worth the wait! Elana had left her family because she feels she betrayed them, even though that isn’t the case. But in usual fashion, her brothers have her watched and of course it is Artem, the one in charge of security. He has loved her from afar and knows her brothers wouldn’t be happy if he pursued her. So when something happens to threaten Elana, he does the only thing he can, he “kidnaps” her to keep her safe. Elana is beautiful, sassy and has always had a thing for Artem. And Artem is handsome and domineering which makes him even more sexy. This story that you on their wild journey of which I never wanted to end. Their witty banter made me laugh so many times and their chemistry is so hot, flames came off the pages of my Kindle. This story has a lot going on that will make your head spin! It is perfect! It is fantastic! And I loved every word! My heart is full!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews